The Fashion Speak : The Shoe Chronicles: Back To School

Carrie Bradshaw: Shoe Expert Extraordinaire

August is nearly behind us and that means parents across the country are scrambling to prepare children (from kindergarten to college), for a brand new school year. I think we can all agree that nothing kills the summer vibe quite like those pesky back to school commercials. There is a lot that happens during the summer/fall transition and no matter what year you are in school, there seems to be an unspoken law stating you must go shopping for a new wardrobe. I never really obeyed this 'rule' because I had been shopping throughout the entire year, so I was always prepared (re: my post about online shopping). With that being said, I highly recommend shopping little by little as you need things to avoid spending beaucoup d'argent ($$$) during one outing, something that probably stresses you and your parents out way more than you realize. However, if you insist on devoting an entire weekend to school shopping, I ask one thing: Don't forget the shoes. This seems like a given but I can assure you it is certainly not. I can't tell you how many pairs of tattered Rainbow flip-flops and old Nike tennis shoes I see roaming around college campuses every year. It's always funny to see someone who has clearly spent a lot of money on an outfit he or she is wearing yet the shoes have been neglected entirely. Why? It's because school is a tricky environment when it comes to shoes. Whether you are in elementary school or college, you never actually know what the day holds. Being ready for anything means wearing a shoe that is also ready for anything; from a trip to the zoo to a first date... you and your shoes must be prepared, my friends. Below I have listed my top three 'everyday' shoe picks for both girls and guys to wear at school. They are comfortable, affordable and fashionable. You're going to want to leave your flip-flops by the pool this year, trust me.